Formulation and Evaluation of Ciprofloxacin and Aspirin Loaded Gel Formulation For Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic biological process that involves an orchestrated interplay of cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components. Chronic and infected wounds represent a significant clinical challenge worldwide, necessitating the development of effective topical drug delivery systems that combine antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a dual-drug topical gel incorporating Ciprofloxacin HCl (an antibiotic) and Aspirin (an anti-inflammatory agent) for the management and accelerated healing of infected wounds. The gel was prepared using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent, with propylene glycol as a penetration enhancer and humectant, and triethanolamine for pH adjustment. Twelve formulations (F1–F12) were developed by varying the concentrations of Carbopol 940 (0.5–2.0%) and propylene glycol (5–15%). The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters including organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo skin permeation. The optimized formulation (F7) demonstrated a pH of 6.8 ± 0.15, viscosity of 18,240 ± 320 cP, drug content of 98.6 ± 1.2% (Ciprofloxacin) and 97.9 ± 0.8% (Aspirin), and cumulative drug release of 82.4 ± 2.1% and 85.6 ± 1.8% respectively over 24 hours following Higuchi diffusion kinetics. Antimicrobial efficacy was confirmed by zone of inhibition assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Excised rat skin permeation studies demonstrated significant flux enhancement compared to plain drug suspensions. The formulation showed stability over 90 days at 40°C/75% RH. In vivo wound healing studies using an excision wound model in Wistar rats demonstrated significantly accelerated wound closure (p < 0.05) and enhanced histopathological regeneration compared to standard marketed preparations.The study concludes that the optimized dual-drug gel formulation of Ciprofloxacin and Aspirin offers synergistic therapeutic potential for the treatment of infected wounds, providing an effective, stable, and patient-compliant topical dosage form.